About the Topic: Art and Culture is an important topic covering the cultural renaissance, literature, paintings, architecture, music and cultural developments during Modern India. Practice Art and Culture MCQ Questions with answers and explanations for UPSC and other competitive examinations.
Given below are two statements, one labelled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R):
Assertion (A) : For education and culture a Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) was set up in 1979.
Reason (R) : The objective of CCRT was to link education with culture.
Choose the correct answer from the codes given below. Codes:
Correct Answer:
(A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
The Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) is a premier institution working in the field of linking education with culture. It was established in 1979, by Smt. Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay & Dr. Kapila Vatsyayan. It functions as an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. CCRT's commitment lies to holistic education, encompassing the cognitive, emotional and spiritual development of children. Hence it is clear that both A & R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A.
Ques: 2
Four Mathas established by Adi Shankaracharya are :
Correct Answer:
(A) Joshimath, Dwarka, Puri, Sringeri
Adi Shankaracharya was one of the most notable philosophers as well as savant of India. He established four Peethas or Mathas in the four corners of India. The four Mathas established by him are- Jyotirmath or Joshimath in the north, Govardhan Math in Puri in the east, Dwarka Peeth in Dwarka in the west and Sringeri Sharada Peetham in Sringeri in the south.
Ques: 3
With reference to Chausath Yogini Temple situated near Morena, consider the following statements :
It is a circular temple built during the reign of Kachchhapaghata Dynasty
It is the only circular temple built in India.
It was meant to promote the Vaishnava cult in the region.
Its design has given rise to a popular belief that it was the inspiration behind the Indian Parliament building.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Correct Answer:
(C) 1 and 4
The Chausath Yogini temple is in Morena district 40 kilometres from Gwalior. According to an inscription dated to 1323 CE (Vikram Samvat 1383), the temple was built by the Kachchhapaghata king Devapala (1055-1075). Hence statement 1 is correct. The uniqueness of this Yogini temple is its circular shape that is popularly believed to have inspired the design of the Indian Parliament. The circular shape is likely to have represented a Sri Yantra in which the Yoginis reside, with the Supreme Yogini or Maha Sakti residing in the centre (represented by the circular central main shrine). It is not the only circular temple built in India. Hence statements 2 and 3 are not correct and statement 4 is correct. Hence option (c) is the correct answer.
Ques: 4
Which of the following statements best describes the impact of British rule on Indian art?
Correct Answer:
(D)
It only influenced the elite and did not affect the general population.
While British rule certainly impacted Indian art, it didn't completely replace traditional styles. The introduction of Western artistic influences and styles primarily affected the art produced for and consumed by the elite classes and colonial administrators. The general population largely continued to practice and perpetuate their traditional art forms, relatively untouched by the changes happening in the upper echelons of society.
Ques: 5
Which of the following movements was a key aspect of the Bengal School of Painting?
Correct Answer:
(C) The Swadeshi Movement
The Bengal School of Painting was closely tied to the Swadeshi Movement, a nationalist movement that arose in India during the early 20th century, primarily in response to the partition of Bengal by the British. The Bengal School artists aimed to create an art distinctly Indian in style and spirit, reflecting the nationalist sentiment of the time, promoting indigenous culture and traditions against Western influence.